Creamy, juicy, and utterly comforting, this Homemade Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake is a delightful mash-up of classic strawberry shortcake and silky cheesecake.
24ozCream Cheese, softenedAt room temperature for best results
1cupGranulated Sugar
1cupHeavy Cream
1teaspoonVanilla Extract
1cupGraham Cracker Crumbs
1/4cupUnsalted Butter, melted
2tablespoonsPowdered SugarFor dusting before serving
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C). Lightly grease the sides of a 9-inch springform pan.
In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs and melted unsalted butter. Mix until the crumbs are evenly moistened.
Press the graham cracker mixture firmly into the bottom of the springform pan to form an even crust. Bake for 8 minutes for a firmer crust, or skip baking for a softer base.
In a large mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese and granulated sugar together until smooth and free of lumps.
Add heavy cream and vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture. Beat until smooth and slightly thickened.
Gently fold in fresh strawberries, being careful to keep them intact.
Pour the cheesecake batter over the prepared crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, until the center is mostly set but still slightly jiggly.
Let the cheesecake cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Before serving, dust the top with powdered sugar and add extra sliced strawberries and whipped cream if desired.
Notes
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Can freeze slices for up to 2 months.